Matilda casting update for London and New York

Leading roles for Matilda The Musical are to have new actors on both sides of the Atlantic.

On Broadway, Bertie Carvel and Lauren Ward bid farewell to the show at the Shubert Theatre, to be replaced by Craig Beirko and Jill Paice in the roles of Trunchbull and Miss Honey.

Bertie and Lauren have been with the show since its first incarnation at Stratford-upon-Avon, as has Melanie La Barrie who is leaving her role as Mrs Phelps in the West End. She will be replaced by Lisa Davina Phillip.

Also in London, David Leonard hangs up Trunchbull's gymslip as Alex Gaumond steps into the role, and Annette McLaughlin makes way for Kay Murphy as Mrs Wormwood. Steve Furst also steps down, to be replaced by James Clyde as Mr Wormwood.

The new actors will step into their roles at the Cambridge Theatre, London and Shubert Theatre, New York from 3 September.